My father-in law had a similar machine in his garage that he used on a
regular basis. The frame on his was a little more ornate but still
similar. I also suspect that your original had a leather belt drive
to a motor; or a central belt drive system that some of the old
furniture shops used to have. The father-in-law had it set up with a
couple of V-Belts and a motor and it worked just fine for him.

I wish we had kept it. I would like to have it in my shop just for a
conversation piece.

RonB